A ‘charming and fun-loving’ former soldier’s killer has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the ‘viscious attack’ and murder that took place in Stockport in December 2014.
Joe Hasledine, 24, of Wellington Road North, Stockport, admitted to killing Chris Fields, 37, in a vicious prolonged assault.
On December 12 2014, paramedics were called after Hasledine violently attacked Chris in his own home.
The then 23-year-old, who was sentenced to a minimum of 16 and a half years behind bars, made allowances to leave his victim’s home for a short while before returning to continue the violent tirade.
Chris, a former soldier, later died at Stepping Hill hospital as a result of his injuries.
Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge said: “This was a vicious assault and I am pleased that the sentence reflects the severity of crime.
“Chris was a former serving soldier, a brave man, who has been stolen away from a loving family by the deplorable actions of Hasledine.
“Greater Manchester Police would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and hope that this conviction will bring some closure to what must have been a terrible ordeal.”
An independent investigation by the IPCC into this case is currently on going.
DEARLY MISSED: Chris was described as a ‘fun loving and charming’ by his family
Chris’ family issued the following tribute: “Chris was the greatest son, brother and a best friend to many. He was a fun-loving, charming man, with his whole life ahead of him.
“He was taken from us in December in completely unnecessary circumstances. We cannot express how devastated we are that his life has been stolen from him. We miss him every minute of every day.
“Today his killer has been sentenced, and justice has been served. We can try to repair our heartache, although no matter how long the sentence is it will not bring Chris back or make our loss any easier.
“We need to attempt to move on and hopefully today will now provide closure for our pain over the last seven months, however, we will never forget Chris or the many memories he has given us.
“On behalf of the family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Greater Manchester Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their continued support and professionalism in this matter.”
